Essentials for a Classic Safari Holiday

Essentials for a Classic Safari Holiday

A quick Google of the phrase ‘safari essentials’ will result in lists and lists of items and clothing that will make your stay in the wild more comfortable. These range from common sense (a hat) to the weird (a coffee press). But having a well packed suitcase is only half of the journey. There are some things that don’t fit as neatly into your carry-on but will still make your safari experience that little bit more unforgettable.

Survival Instinct

Don’t worry, you won’t be fending off any lions. But even at the swankiest private game lodges, Africa can prove to be tougher than life back home. Small steps like remembering to stay hydrated and packing plenty of sunscreen and lip balm can mean the difference between having an unforgettable safari, and being confined to your (king-size) bed back at the lodge. Don’t forget your vaccinations!

Respect

Most safari lodges act like an island of western culture among the indigenous cultures of Africa. The streets and rural villages outside of them are another story. While you will be briefed by lodge staff before embarking on a village or city tour, remember to be considerate of the dynamics and customs of these communities, whatever they may be.

Preparation (but not too much)

Despite the many trimmings offered by game lodges, half the charm of a safari is the feeling of ‘roughing it’ like adventurers did during the golden age of safari in the early 20th century. As a rule of thumb, do not pack your entire wardrobe into your suitcase. Moreover, don’t pack a suitcase. Instead, opt for soft luggage as it will be easier to pack in the overhead compartments of international flights. Most charter planes have a luggage weight restriction of 15-20 kg per person. Fortunately, lodges do offer a daily laundry service, so packing fewer clothes is not a problem.

Sense of Humour

Nobody knows the definition of ‘African time’ better than Africans themselves. Due to it still being a developing continent, things in Africa have a tendency to run behind schedule, whether it’s a transfer from the airport or a meal arriving a few minutes late at your restaurant table. Just take it in your stride and remind yourself that it is all part of the experience. Game lodges may pride themselves on their service but a sense of humour is essential for bonding with your fellow travellers and game rangers.

Enthusiasm

A safari is made infinitely better when enjoyed with eyes wide open. It may be all too tempting to enjoy a lie-in or while away the late morning at the lodge’s spa instead of embarking on a bush walk. But these can be just as easily enjoyed back at home. While you’re on safari, make the most by sampling the local dishes; you didn’t travel half way around the world to order steak and chips. Try every safari experience offered by your accommodation. Ask your ranger questions. Take photos at every opportunity. While you’re more than likely to return to Africa, you don’t know when that may be.

Consideration

Unless you have booked a private safari vehicle, you will more than likely be sharing one with other travellers, who are just as excited to see wildlife as you are. As such, it’s important to be considerate. Avoid wearing bright colours while on safari as this might startle animals, causing them to flee and ruining the experience for everybody.

Acceptance

The idea of a Big-5 safari is perhaps a little antiquated. The term was coined during the age of safari hunting in the 20th century. It’s gone on to become the be-all and end-all of safaris, which shouldn’t be the case. While each member of this elite group is undeniably beautiful, so are the countless other species that live within Africa’s bushlands. Guests are often disappointed when they don’t spot each and every animal within the game reserve, especially the Big-5. While rangers and guides are experts at their jobs and will do everything they can to provide you with incredible wildlife sightings, the wilderness is not a zoo and no sightings can be entirely guaranteed. At the end of the day, a safari holiday is so much more than just ticking off animals on a list. It’s a holiday made up of special moments like enjoying the tranquility of the bush, telling stories at the fireside and embracing the local cultures.

Ingenuity

Because of weight restrictions on charter flights, a few ‘travel hacks’ can mean the difference between two weeks of safari bliss and constantly having to wonder if wearing the same shirt for a third day in a row is socially acceptable. Tricks like packing a sarong which has a multitude of uses will drastically increase the amount of space in your luggage. A compact draw-string bag is a great alternative to a backpack. Travelling in your safari ‘gear’ provides even more luggage space and ensures that you have plenty of handy pockets for items like passports and wallets. You might stick out like a sore thumb but this may make for some interesting conversations with safari-loving travellers at the airport.

Certainty

This goes without saying. Before getting ready to catch your flight, consider doing a few ‘dry runs’ to ensure everything fits into your luggage. More importantly, make sure you know where everything fits into your luggage. Before leaving, ask yourself if you really do have the important things like your wallet, passport, visa and plane ticket.

Generosity

While giving out cash to everybody who approaches you on the street is not recommended, many game lodges do offer their own philanthropic initiatives. These help benefit the surrounding community and the wildlife housed within the reserve. Donations are gladly accepted and are a lifeline to the conservation of the area, and its wildlife and locals.

Hopefully these tips will fill your luggage without weighing it down. For those who still need help packing their luggage, we’ve put together a video guide of our top 17 safari essentials.